Legends of the silver screen, established and emerging filmmakers, film fans, gifted actors and actresses, and a diverse array of industry professionals are due to descend on Dubai en-mass this week for the ninth Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). As one of the Emirates’ most anticipated events, the Festival brings 8 days of star-studded galas, appearances from esteemed international, regional and local celebrities, high-calibre award ceremonies, interactive workshops and a plethora of industry forums, alongside the spectacular line up of 158 films from every corner of the globe.

At the opening ceremony, which will be attended by high-level dignitaries, DIFF will present its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards to veteran Egyptian actor Mahmoud Abdul Aziz and prolific British director Michael Apted. The Festival will close on December 16th with the much-awaited Muhr Awards ceremony.

Abdulhamid Juma, DIFF Chairman, said: “Year after year, the Festival attracts such a high level of films and filmmakers and I’m delighted to say that the 9th year is no different. With a line-up of 158 films from 61 countries in 43 languages, there is something for everyone at this year’s DIFF. Across our screenings, workshops and forums, we look forward to hosting film industry professionals from all over the world and it is our hope that these individuals will help inspire, guide and nurture a future generation of filmmakers.”

“Life of Pi is a film that truly epitomizes the ethos of DIFF’s ‘Bridging Cultures’ mandate. Shot in India, Canada and Taiwan, the epic 3D adventure follows young Pi in a breathtaking debut performance by Suraj Sharma, who we are honored to welcome to Dubai and the Festival. Hand-picked by Ang Lee from 3,000 actors auditioning for the part, Suraj puts on a performance which brilliantly shows Pi’s courage, hope, fear, sorrow and jubilation, exposing his incredible talent every second of his screen time. Life of Pi is a perfect multi-dimensional and multi-cultural masterpiece to mark the opening of our ninth edition and we are delighted to have the film’s stars walking the DIFF red carpet,” added Juma.

Ahead of travelling to Dubai, Suraj Sharma said: “Life of Pi is a universal story about surviving insurmountable odds and, combined with Ang Lee’s amazing use of the cinematic medium and 3D will resonate with audiences the world over. This is my first film but I am honoured to bring it, alongside my co-stars Adil Hussain and Shravanthi Sainath, to open the Dubai International Film Festival.”

The opening red carpet and ceremony of the festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at Madinat Jumeirah will be telecast live on YouTube.

Every year, DIFF attracts thousands of filmgoers eager to learn different perspectives, study new cultures and new forms of expression through the medium of film. During the Festival, fans will have the opportunity to meet filmmakers and cast members during in-depth Q&A sessions.

The DIFF box office is open online on at www.dubaifilmfest.com. Additional information is also available through the Festival’s dedicated customer care number, 363 FILM (3456).

Tickets ‘One Night to Change Lives’ charity event to benefit Oxfam and Dubai Cares are available by telephone on +971 4 450 4531 or email [email protected] or visit www.onenighttochangelives.com.